I stopped looking around the compound, the quiet expanse of the gated estate suddenly feeling too tight, too suffocating. Then I heard a footstep directly behind me.

"Mr. Kendrick demands an audience with you," the head butler said. I recognized his voice immediately.

I turned to face him, crossing my arms. "Why?" I asked, even though I was well aware they would want to give me instructions on what to do.

"I'm not supposed to know about it," he replied calmly, his face a complete mask of professional neutrality. "Please..." He motioned his hand, signaling for me to follow him back inside.

Earlier, I had engaged in an intimidating dialogue...